An Interview with Faiza Shaikh: Artist, Philosopher, Visionary

Faiza Shaikh, a London-based artist from Karachi, is groundbreaking in her work, [click images above to see enlarged pieces of her art]. Using strong, bold colors, her art fuses modernity with religious philosophy. Each of Faiza’s paintings impart a message of religious tolerance and peace in a world torn apart by division and polarization. Her show, entitled, “Forbidden Love” will be previewing at London’s Black Rat Gallery on May 22, 2009. She recently also partnered with British NGO, Women’s India and the Tongues on Fire Film Festival, to exhibit her work as part of the festival at BAFTA. Although she has shown her work at various exhibitions in London and Pakistan, her show in Mumbai [scheduled for 28 November 2008] was canceled amid fears that the religious depictions within the collection would spark unrest. Given her message of unity and tolerance, such a development was indeed unfortunate. Below, Faiza talks to CHUP about her collection and the inspiration behind her work:

Q: Much of your art fuses Islamic, Christian, Jewish, and Hindu traditions – what inspired you to use themes of religion and tolerance in your work? Is there a method or a purpose behind the kind of texts you use in a specific piece?

I paint the philosophy I meditate upon. I use texts from Quran, [Bhagavid] Gita, Tora and others to represent the universality of their ideas. Religious intolerance arises from our ignorance about each others faith. My art simply says- look into the mirror of your own being. Know yourself to realize that your battles are unnecessary. When every religion speaks the same truth and everything ends in the same reality, all of this is just a tamasha (spectacle). Life is sacred as it is an opportunity to touch the light of our existence. It is about universal truth. My purpose is to engage the viewer and the engagement is achieved by the use of the texts. Once my painting is placed on someone’s wall, everyone asks the meaning of the verse. They can be directed to the translation that accompanies the painting. It may spark a debate or a conversation or perhaps just appreciation.

Q: Have you faced any kind of religious opposition to your work?

Frankly, I am not bothered how the viewer sees my paintings, however I take extreme care to ensure that the sanctity of each religion is adhered to.

Q: What is your opinion on the current state of Pakistan’s art industry? How can it be bolstered/improved?

Pakistani Art should be the next big thing I hope. The critical ingredient to catapult Pakistani artists to the world’s stage is good marketing.

Q: The arts medium – theater, dance, film, and art – can often be used as a commentary on society. In Pakistan in particular, recent films have been a commentary on politics or current affairs. Do you feel like your work and message have a place within the current debates raging in Pakistan?

Absolutely. The message of my art dispels misconceptions which are based on heresy rather than on knowledge. In this way, an attempt is made to create harmony and peaceful co existence. The influence of living in London is that it teaches the beauty of tolerance. The society allows respectful co existence of all cultures. The English and the French have fought many battles, similarly with the Germans and yet today they are part of the European union sharing common currencies and common laws. Should the subcontinent learn from this maturity? If the politicians fail to display this maturity, should they be nudged into this direction by a mere artist? We live in hope.

Q: The observation of art is considered a subjective experience, but is there one particular message or lesson you hope your audience takes away from your work?

“Art is never chaste. It must be forbidden to ignorant innocents never allowed into contact with those not sufficiently prepared. Yes Art is dangerous. Where it is chaste, it is not Art.” –Pablo Picasso

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15 Responses

1. Does she ever exhibit her work in the states? Keep us posted.
2. Absolutely loved this line of hers “know yourself to realize that your battles are unnecessary.”
3. Do you think you could give us a little description of what the verses are and where each one is from in the three paintings you’ve posted with the interview?

I like this stuff, and I like that the artist (while respecting the religions) is willing to use it in her work, and exhibit it. So many talented artists in Pakistan. And at the end of the day, the more evolved our arts become, the more evolved our society becomes. It would have been nice to have the translations with the work you posted above the piece, although I know that might be a pain in the… good interview, and kudos to the artist!

I was actually supposed to go this past weekend to see some of Faiza’s stuff as my friend Gahtan had told me about her work. Unfortunately, I was out of town and wasn’t able to go! Kalsoom, great job and keep it up!

In the early Ottoman Empire, Muslims preached tolerance. We were one of the first societies that allowed other religions to live (somewhat) peacefully among us. I think Faiza’s work is quite reminiscent of that era. It’s admirable how she doesn’t let what anyone thinks of her merging the religions affect her work, but simply makes sure to keep the sanctity of the religion intact. The beauty of this is that she represents the right to freedom of speech on a whole other level – not only because of what she is painting, but the emphasis on the fact that it is that freedom that gives us the right to follow and advocate the religion we have chosen to be best for us.

I would absolutely love to see her work in person. If she’s ever on the east coast, please let me know!

Great comment LM – it’s true, even Akbar the Great of the Mughal Empire pursued a policy of religious tolerance in order to legitimately reign over a diverse mix of subjects – particularly the Hindus. It seems like there is a lot we can learn from our region’s past, and this is something that Faiza highlights in her pieces.

Have we become so intolerant in our own views that we fail to see the connection among us all? That should be the fundamental question.

Hello all,
I am representing Faiza Shaikh and here are the answers to some of your questions:

Translation of the verses on the paintings:
“Love”- verse from the Bhagavad Gita: In order to achieve a permanent, blissful abode for eternal happiness it is essential to be in Krishna consciousness, engaged in the transcendental loving service of the Lord

“Contentment”- verse from Bhagavad Gita: The liberated living entities belong to that place where there are no material miseries

“Untitled”- verse from the Quran: Revelation shows us a glimpse of the spiritual world, guides us in this life and gives us the hope of eternal bliss in the hereafter

Faiza would like to exhibit her work in the US or Pakistan should the right opportunity present itself. I will keep CHUP updated on that.

I am looking at your website and it is absolutely amazing! And its a great pleasure meeting and working with you. I like your arts and admire your dedication in doing your craft. The wisdom and philosophy which are in your paintings gives more life in what we see in the beauty of your arts. I wish you all the best in your forth coming exhibit in Dubai this coming December 2009. The world must see your brilliant work of arts.